Hunter Shay: District 4

Looking at myself in the mirror I scrunch my nose in disgust, dark brown hair that falls mid-back, plain, it's thin like the sheets on my bed, only there enough to make sure that it is seen. I hate it, every single part of my appearance. Compared to the others I am a weak and frail butterfly. Waiting, slowly wilting about to be ripped apart by the elements of life. My greenish-gray eyes stare back at me, dull as ever. Never once have I seen them sparkle. At least to me they look like jewels in the rough, one day I might see them shine like I have seen others eyes do. Looking in the mirror I see the sad reflection of myself. A face that is too chubby and my nose too long, freckles splatter my upper cheeks and my dark skin makes the pale dots stand out even more. This is my least flattering feature in my opinion. 

I eye my body, strong, and tall I may be about 5'9 but i'm not sure because the last time I was measured my height was a year ago. Rarely are we able to afford doctors visits.  My arms long and strengthened from work on the docks hang limp by my side. Legs peeking out from under a pale blue dress, strong legs sit keeping me on my feet. I give a sigh and sit back on the measly bed that lays in front of the mirror.I am naturally fit and unlike others I have unusually strange strength. I'm wearing one of the many dresses my mother tries to get me to wear for her sake, I put them on only because I love her. Some days I wear what I prefer and steal clothes from my older brother Amir.  Sighing I pull my hair into a mop in the middle of my head and stand up to walk out of the broken room I call home. 

Headstrong, that's how most people would describe me. I usually do what I think is the best. Sometimes it doesn't turn out as well as I would like it too but you get what you get. Many times I have been punished and I have served the consequences. I am ruthless, doing whatever it take to get whatever I need. My ruthlessness is what has kept me from ever gaining popularity with my family and with the others within the confines of the district.

Normal will not EVER describe me, i'm strange. Everyone has known it since I was a child. I do things most will never be willing to do. While most of the women do things such as making nets and such I help to haul in the fish, heavy lifting that most can't handle. My body is different, while the others are frailer my is built much more like the richer girls in our district. The ones who train for the day when they are reaped into the Hunger Games. I don't see why anyone would hope to be in such a horrid game, but being prepared would be much better than not knowing anything. Several times I have gone to the place where those people train and I watch them, mimicking their moves and how they hold their weapons, learning how they hold themselves.


I have cocooned myself, obsessed with training, whether it be my work on the dock or the train time I spend on my own.If you get to know me you'll see that really I am just alone. In a way it's my cry for help, in a way I need it i'm asking for someone to look and see behind my mask, and honestly it's the fear that keeps me going. The ever growing imminent fear that keeps me strong. The fear that was and still fueled by the monsters that the districts refer to as the Capitol.


I walk into the dismal houses small kitchen, quiet and small sits my mom and brother. My mom surrounded by mountains of the thin rope we use to build our nets. My brother knife in one hand and fish in another. He gives me a smile and my mother continues to look down. Things in our home have been bad since my father was taken to the capital a couple of years ago for trading illegal items. Closing herself off from the world, the day my father was gone was the day My brother and I lost not only a father but a mother as well. Neither of us try to reach out to her, knowing it would be useless until dad comes back. But, Amir and I agree that mom will never change.


Before that we had been normal, because of him we had to move. At one time we had been one of the wealthiest families in the district but now we are one of the poorest. I run a hand across my face and my fingers feel the scar that runs from the corner of my right eye to my ear. Caused from a peacekeeper that I had stolen from.I still regret it. I know instead I should have just applied for an extra amount of grain, but just a year ago I admit I was too reckless and decided theft would be a better decision instead. 

My childhood was a breeze compared to the life I live now, no hard labor, no shortage of food. Now everyday Amir and I struggle to find even a slice of bread. I work a hard 9 hours a day then spend the next 3 training. My only friend are the books that I buy from the peacekeeper. Life is hard but I try to stay strong. One day I will rise to what my family had once been. Whether it be through the Games or work I will rise.